Constitution Day - September 17, 2009

INFORMATIONAL NO: 20
POLICY NO: BDF

TO: Superintendents of Schools
FROM: Susan A. Gendron, Commissioner
DATE: September 8, 2009
RE: Constitution Day – September 17, 2009

This Informational Letter is a reminder of a law passed by Congress in 2004 that establishes September 17th as Constitution Day. On this date in 1787, thirty-nine people signed the U.S. Constitution. Constitution Day is the birthday of the United States government and a time to develop and reinforce habits of citizenship in a new generation of Americans. The law affects all educational institutions receiving federal funds. To assist in meeting both the requirements and spirit of this federal law, there is a variety of resources available. For your convenience, we have included some below

The National Constitution Center

The National Constitution Center was established on Independence Mall in Philadelphia and has prepared materials for educators and administrators. Many are available in formats that can be downloaded at http://www.constitutionday.us and include activities, audio-visual materials, books, Constitution Day events and lesson plans. Resources for educators are also available at http://constitutioncenter.org/ncceduEducators.aspx , the National Constitution Center’s museum and special exhibits site.

Celebration USA

Documents of Freedom is a resource for teachers K-12 seeking projects that support Constitution Day and the democratic principals upon which our nation rests. As the sponsoring organization, Celebration USA has also partnered with California State University Fullerton on an event entitled “A Walk Through the Constitution” which is especially appropriate for middle level students. Please refer to the Celebration USA website for more information at http://celebrationusa.org.

The Bill of Rights Institute

A source for activities and resources supporting Constitution Day comes from the Bill of Rights Institute in Arlington, Virginia. At http://www.billofrightsinstitute.org/constitutionday students can engage in an on-line interactive module – a great way to connect your students with the thoughts and ideas of the Constitutional Convention. Also included in the website are text resources such as the Celebrate the Constitution activity book in PDF format, as well as an interactive Constitution quiz.

If you have additional questions, please contact Jana Boody, Social Studies Specialist at jana.boody@maine.gov or phone (207) 624-6828.